MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

I will not be posting for a number of days due to Christmas vacation.

Missing Money

I recently read an article that said there is about $33 billion in unclaimed assets currently in forgotten accounts. There are scams that offer you the service of recovering your missing money; however you should beware before engaging with a firm. Do some research and check them out with the Better Business Bureau and your Attorney General’s office. It was also recommended that you periodically check http://www.missingmoney.com/; this site links almost all 50 states’ unclaimed property efforts. I visited the site and unfortunately couldn't’t find any missing money…yet! :)

Source: Money Magazine article by Donna Rosato

Shopping Savings

I love a bargain and frequently find myself comparing prices and items to get the best deal possible. I recently learned a new way to save, visit http://www.google.com/ and search for store coupons you are interested in (for example, type “Barnes and Noble coupons”) and you will get a list of the different sites offering information on coupons (both online and in-store).

A few sites I like and have used to find discounts are: http://www.dealcatcher.com, www.retailmenot.com/, http:///www.couponcabin.com/.

Every little bit helps!

Good Interview Questions

When interviewing for a job, you should ALWAYS ask a lot of questions. It demonstrates a high level of interest in the company and the position, and can set you apart from your competition. I have interviewed people in the past and was quite disappointed when they didn't ask any questions. You basically want to interview the person you are speaking with to ensure you are interested in what they have to offer you as a potential employee.

Here are some questions that may be useful:

1. Who do you consider your major non-traditional competitors?
2. In the company's recent history, what do you think has been your biggest advance and what has been your biggest setback?
3. What are the company's greatest strengths?
4. What type of training would you offer someone in this role?
5. Does the position have quantitative objectives to meet?
6. Who has been successfull in this role?
7. Is this a newly created position?
8. What is your highest priority in the next six months and could someone like me help?
9. Tell me about a typical day?
10. Where do you see your company going in the next 5 years?
11. What are the 3 main qualities you are looking for in a candidate?
12. How do I compare with other qualified candidates?
13. Do you have any hesitations about me being successful with your company?
14. How do you measure success on the job?
15. What is your hiring timetable and next steps?

In addition, you should always ask questions specifically related to the job you are interviewing for, for example, if the job posting states you will have responsibility for supervising employees, you can ask how many employees? what their levels? etc.

Business Plan for Entrepreneurs

I have always admired entrepreneurs, and would love to have that big idea to speak of one day. I was recently on http://www.score.org/ **and found an excellent business plan sample. If you are interested in starting your own business you should always start by creating a comprehensive business plan; even if you are not seeking funding from a third party.

A business plan serves as your compass as you embark on your new adventure. It solidifies your thoughts and there is something 'magical' about seeing it in writing that encourages you to take that leap into entrepreneurship.


Here is the link for the business plan: http://www.score.org/downloads/Business%20Plan%20for%20a%20Startup%20Business_July.doc.

**"SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)."

Beware of Gift cards

I recently read this article that speaks about the risks of giving gift cards. Basically, if you buy a gift card and the retailer goes out of business, your card is worthless...read on...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27929359/%C2%A0

Companies prefer layoffs to pay cuts

As published on MSNBC.com

Surveys show if you can keep your job in 2009, you will likely get a raise
By Peter Coy and Jena McGregor

The parallels between the current economic downturn and the Great Depression are often scary. This is the first time since the 1930s that the U.S. has experienced big, extended declines in house prices. And as in the Depression, the financial system is under extreme stress.

But there is one important way in which history is not repeating itself. Average annual earnings of workers fell for several years in the 1930s but have not fallen since. And it looks like they won't fall in 2009, either. Businesses are reporting that they plan to increase pay by roughly 3.5 percent in 2009 for U.S. workers, according to recent surveys by compensation consultants Mercer, Watson Wyatt Worldwide, and Hewitt Associates. Salary increases are crucial because rising wages make it easier for some families to pay their debts.
By penciling in pay hikes, employers are signaling that they don't believe that the U.S. government will flub policy so badly that the country succumbs to another depression. Their plan to raise pay is good for the economy: Lenders will be more likely to make loans if they think families will have the income to pay them back. Households will be less afraid to shop. "Confidence is crucial to limiting the negative effect of the current financial crisis," says International Monetary Fund economist Luca Antonio Ricci.

The news isn't all good. Pay hikes may fall below current expectations, and while employers are planning to raise pay, they are simultaneously cutting jobs. The jobless rate hit 6.5 percent in October, and many economists think it could reach 8 percent by late 2009. Employers are also looking for less conspicuous ways to save on benefits, such as reducing 401(k) matches or increasing deductibles and co-payments in health plans.

A Watson Wyatt Worldwide survey in mid-October showed that 26 percent of employers were planning layoffs or other reductions in force in the coming 12 months, while 25 percent planned to raise employee contributions for health care. In contrast, only 4 percent were planning to cut salaries. "Firms are cutting workers instead of wages," says Ethan S. Harris, co-head of U.S. economics at Barclays Capital in New York.

By raising pay while cutting jobs, companies can "thin the herd" while giving remaining workers "the big corporate hug they need," says William C. Yoh, CEO and president of Yoh, a unit of Day & Zimmerman Group that supplies high-tech temps. Starbucks recently announced it was cutting jobs but isn't cutting pay or benefits. "We have to take care of our partners [i.e., employees] and keep them engaged," says spokeswoman Tara Darrow.

Companies are cutting bonuses, which have accounted for a growing share of compensation for many workers. But at some companies, bonuses are so important that reducing them can be as traumatic as slashing base pay. That's one reason Wall Street resists calls from Washington to eliminate or sharply restrict their bonuses. Law firms have even less to gain from trimming bonuses because they account for only a small portion of associates' pay. "Firms are kind of locked into laying off or not laying off," says Dan DiPietro, head of a Citigroup unit that lends to law firms.

That leaves benefit cuts, which are more likely than pay cuts to escape employees' notice. Edward Kaplan, national health practice leader for Segal Co., an employee benefits consulting firm in New York, says one employer he deals with has excluded coverage for Nexium and Prevacid, the much-prescribed heartburn medicines, saying there are plenty of generic substitutes available. Those medicines account for 7 percent of the employer's drug costs.
Of course, some hard-pressed companies are cutting or freezing pay. Nortel Networks and American Express both announced salary freezes for many employees. The mayor of Columbus, Ohio, is freezing 2009 pay for himself and 400 other employees. And in Los Angeles, restaurant operator Grill Concepts is slicing top executives' pay 10 percent in an effort to avoid job cuts. Says Grill Concepts Chief Executive Officer Philip Gay: "It doesn't make you feel good when you go home at night if you've let people go."

But those are the exceptions. There's a good chance that if you keep your job in 2009, you'll get a raise. What's more impressive is that the raise is likely to be greater than the rate of inflation. That's because inflation is plummeting. The median estimate of economists for 2009 inflation is just 1.5 percent, according to a Bloomberg survey released Nov. 12.
Why raise inflation-adjusted pay in the teeth of a severe recession? After all, theory says that the price of labor should adjust to the demand for it. Theory also says that workers and employers alike should care only about pay adjusted for inflation. In reality, though, both groups tend to get anchored to certain pay hike numbers (4 percent is a favorite) regardless of changes in the rate of inflation.

That may be one reason employers haven't shaved much off their 2009 pay-hike forecasts. Amazingly, Mercer found that 2009 salary-increase budget projections for 190 U.S. companies barely declined from April to October (from 3.7 percent to 3.6 percent) despite a steep decline in projected inflation. "I wouldn't say inflation rates plus or minus are causative" in setting pay, says Laura Sejen, Watson Wyatt's practice director for strategic rewards.
Americans have a lot to worry about in 2009. But for now, pay cuts are not at the top of the list.

Recent Graduates

I wonder what recent college graduates are doing to find a job in these tough economic times. I was thinking there are so many challenges facing already established workers, it must be so much harder for people that recently graduated from college. My son recently graduated and is having a hard time finding a job.

I would love to hear what creative things people are doing to find a job?

Economy

Now that the elections are over and the economy is still not doing well, whats next?

Since, most large companies in the US are cutting jobs and expecting more from their workers, I wonder what people are thinking in terms of career advancement and aspirations. It seems like we have to put everything on hold, because everyone keeps telling us 'now is not a good time', what if next year and the year after that is 'not a good time'? when is it a good time to take risks and do what you want to do and feel led to do with your future? I guess the old saying ' if you don't try you will never know' still applies; whether in good or bad economic times.

Cleaning up your digital dirt (as posted on msnbc.com)

Remember, prospective employers could be checking you out online
By Eve Tahmincioglu

What happens on the Internet tends to stay on the Internet.
Merry Miller, an entertainment reporter, found that out the hard way. She did an interview last year with Holly Hunter on an ABC news show, and she made so many fumbles and gaffes that it ended up on YouTube titled “TV Disaster.” To date, this video has received more than 1.5 million views and nearly 2,000 comments ridiculing the interview.
There’s nothing worse than having unflattering information about you posted on the Web. It’s even happened to me, folks.

Unfortunately, you can’t just sit back and hope it goes away. With hiring managers today checking out prospective employees on the Web, job seekers need to manage their online reputations — or their resumes could end up in the do-not-call pile.

Kirsten Dixson, author of “Career Distinction: Stand Out By Building Your Brand,” calls this type of negative stuff “digital dirt.”
Recruiters are Googling you, she says, and “digital dirt” can quickly take you out of the running.

“We’ve had clients who had digital dirt about them on major news sites, but you can’t just ask to take it down. You have to find ways to sweep the dirt under the rug,” she maintains.

The first thing you need to do is Google yourself right now. Even set up a Google alert with your name so you can track all the new dirt when it first hits.

I’m not talking about defamatory information that may require legal action against the perpetrator. I'm talking about the things that may have a grain of truth in them — like how silly you looked during a television interview, or a blogger’s negative opinion about a research paper you wrote, or a MySpace confession you made when you were 17.
Burying those Internet skeletonsMany of us may want to find ways to erase the negative information about us on the Web, but that may not be the best strategy.

"What to do when you don't like the impression given by your online persona?" asks C. David Gammel, a corporate technology consultant. "The counterintuitive response is the best: Post even more content about yourself online."

However, he adds: "The content should be of a nature that is at least neutral, at best positive, for your career prospects. Blog about your professional interests. Discuss research you have conducted yourself on a topic of interest.”

Gammel believes in burying the Internet skeletons in positive cyber dust. “Once the less savory items are pushed off your first page of ego search results on Google, you'll be fine with most people,” he notes. “That's why you have to post more, not less, to get rid of the impact of those skeletons."

If you have a profile on a social networking site such as Facebook or LinkedIn, that content eventually goes to the top of Google searches when someone types in your name.

As for burying the negative information, you can politely ask a site owner to remove an item about you, and sometimes that’s works. But don’t engage in tit for tat, says Lyn Mettler, who owns Step Ahead Web Strategies, which helps businesses manage their online reputations.
“It ends up looking defensive and can get ugly very quickly,” Mettler says. “If there is misinformation and you can calmly clarify that in a post, response, comment, etc., do so, so the reader will see both sides.”
She also suggests that you enlist the help of friends. “Third-party endorsements are much more credible than someone talking about themselves,” she says.

Another tactic is to do a traditional public relations blitz, even embracing the dirt. That’s what Merry Miller did, and she ended up on “The View” talking about her notorious Hunter interview.

“Based on my personal experience, the best thing to do is address it immediately, tell the truth, don't blame anyone and try not to take it personally because most vicious bloggers move to their next target really quickly,” she says.

“Life isn't easy, but you don't have to go down with the bad stuff.”
Bringing in the expertsYou can also hire a firm that specializes in vacuuming up the digital dirt.

ReputationDefender is an online reputation management company. CEO Michael Fertik says about half of the negative information they find about their customers is self-inflicted, and half is inflicted by someone else. “Maybe someone wrote something about their eating disorder years ago and now it’s among the top 10 results about them on Google,” he says. “Or there’s someone calling you a thief or a jerk, or a bad girlfriend or boyfriend.”

ReputationDefender charges between $100 to $500 for its services, which include publishing so much accurate and positive information about an individual that the bad stuff gets pushed off the first page on Google.

The company also offers a service that provides manual removal of dirt, including asking site owners and bloggers politely to take down information.

None of this stuff is guaranteed, however, because too often the people that run these sites refuse to remove any data.
Indeed, even ReputationDefender has trouble defending even its reputation on the Web.

When the firm first started, it tried to help out one of its clients by asking a blogger to remove dirt about the individual. But the strategy backfired and the blogger ended up blogging yet again about the client’s dirt — and also slamming ReputationDefender.

In a recent Google search on “ReputationDefender,” the negative post appeared as the third result. This proves how difficult it is, even for experts, to keep a cyber reputation untarnished.
Getting out your cyber mopAs I mentioned before, I have also been slammed on the Internet.

I came across a blog post written by Mark Story, a communications expert and adjunct faculty at the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University, that blasted a story I had written for msnbc.com about social networking overload.

Story called my reporting “sloppy,” which is probably the worse slam you can make against a journalist.

I decided to write a response on his blog. I'm a blogger at CareerDiva.net and msnbc.com’s YourBiz, after all, and I should be able to take what I sometimes dish out.

I politely disagreed with him on his blog post, and to my surprise, he e-mailed me an apology.

He also blogged about our interchange, saying, “In a moment that was likely based on blogger hubris and too much caffeine, a few weeks ago, I blogged about an MSNBC piece on social media overload and called it ‘sloppy journalism.’ ”

I know, not all these stories will have similar happy endings. But if there’s a chance you can control some of the digital dirt out there, why not take out a cyber mop?

© 2008 msnbc.com

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26904049/page/2/

Job Hunting

I was wondering how hard is it to find employment these days? I don't mean just any job, but a good paying job with decent benefits.

A good friend of mine was let go from her job and it took over a year to find a similar position. Its incomprehensible that someone with over 10 years corporate experience and a Master's degree will go through such an ordeal. People that have invested so much time and effort into their careers should have an edge on their competition, but it seems impossible to break through some hiring barriers.

In my observation, I noticed there isn't a demand for individuals with a 'generalist' background, which are people that have a mix of skills, such as, marketing, product management, sales and client management. After a certain level it is expected that you will be an expert at only one of those areas or some kind of niche segment of a business. Its a shame because I think people with a diversified background can add so much value within any organization, and it also demonstrates their ability to learn new things and adapt to change quickly. Many of them have spent years pursuing college degrees (part-time, while working full time) which is impressive and also demonstrates their commitment and tenacity.

In college, I had a wonderful professor who once said that ANY job can be learned in six weeks (except professional jobs, like doctor, lawyer, dentist), I agree with him.

Maybe this trend will change, however, I doubt it given my recent experiences with this topic.

Palin candidacy sparks working moms debate

MSNBC.com

Will vice presidential candidate help or hurt everyday working moms?
By Allison Linn
Senior writer
updated 9:41 a.m. ET, Thurs., Sept. 11, 2008

For most working mothers, the third day after giving birth to a new baby is still a whirlwind of joy, sleep deprivation and recovery. For Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, it also was time to go back to work.
Palin, who is now the Republican vice presidential candidate, returned to her job just a few days after giving birth last April to her fifth child, Trig, who has Down syndrome. She toted her newborn son to official events and nursed him during conference calls.
Palin’s candidacy is shining the spotlight on countless issues surrounding working women, including the sticky topic of whether having such a hard-working mom in the White House would ultimately help or hurt other working mothers fighting to find a balance between their jobs and family life.
“It’s caused us as a society to have discussions that we haven’t had before,” said Mary Gatta, director of workforce policy and research at Rutgers University’s Center for Women and Work.
It’s far from clear how those discussions — some of them heated — will trickle down to the lives of everyday mothers and fathers, many of whom are raising children and working under very different circumstances than Palin.
Experts say that in some ways Palin’s visibility could be a benefit to working mothers — and their spouses — who are seeing their own struggles writ large in a public arena. But others worry that Palin’s candidacy could spark a backlash against working mothers, either because Palin has faced such strong criticism for pursuing a high-powered job while raising young kids or because more mothers could face pressure to return to work as quickly as Palin did.
Gatta also notes that just because Palin is a working mother herself does not mean she will automatically support federal policies that could benefit other working moms or dads — especially since Republicans traditionally have opposed some of those policies.
A spokeswoman for the McCain-Palin campaign said she was unable to say at this time what Palin’s position is on federal policies relating to job protections and benefits for working mothers.
Palin herself has dismissed those who call into question her ability to balance raising five children with her political duties.
''To any critics who say a woman can't think and work and carry a baby at the same time, I’d just like to escort that Neanderthal back to the cave,” the Anchorage Daily News quoted Palin saying last March, after the surprise announcement that she was seven months pregnant with Trig.
Some argue, however, that the discussion isn’t about whether Palin — or any other woman, for that matter — can juggle the demands of a high-powered job and a family, but rather why she would want to.
In an editorial in The Wall Street Journal, authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman argued that more women are moving away from the notion of “having it all” and toward the idea of a work/life balance that allows them time for both.
The authors of a forthcoming book on the trend said Palin has hit a nerve “not because she's a woman with children trying to do a man's job. It's because she's actually pushing the combination of professional and personal ambitions beyond the sensibilities of this generation of working moms.”
Janet Gornick, a professor of political science and sociology at City University of New York and an expert on family leave policies worldwide, said she has no concerns with Palin returning to work so soon after her infant was born — as long as Palin was making that choice, rather than being forced to get back on the job.
She notes that educated women in high-level jobs like Palin are likely to have more flexibility when it comes to balancing family and work life. On the other hand, women in lower-paying jobs such as housekeeping or retail are less likely to be able to take a child to work, work from home or find a place to breastfeed or pump milk for a baby.
Her concern is that Palin may be held up as a champion of working moms when it’s far from clear that Palin would support the kind of policies that she believes could make it easier for all working women to balance child-rearing responsibilities.
“Personally, I don’t care about any of this: Her children, the moose burgers, the pistol packing,” Gornick said. “I care about the policy story. She is running with a party that has opposed, at the state and national level, virtually every form of policy that supports working parents.”
A key piece of that policy, the Family Medical Leave Act, guarantees male and female employees who meet certain criteria 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family or medical reasons, including childbirth. Former Democratic President Clinton signed the law into effect in 1993, after years of political wrangling. His Republican predecessor, the first President Bush, had previously vetoed the legislation.
Michelle Easton, president of the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute, a nonprofit that promotes conservative women leaders, declined to discuss Palin specifically. But she said she believes that, in general, conservative women favor ironing out work/life balance issues on their own, rather than having legislation that mandates certain policies.
“Conservatives tend to look to the family and private sector whereas liberal women, feminist women, say, ‘Oh we have a problem, let’s create a program,’ ” Easton said.
Palin’s candidacy also has shed light on another brewing change among working women: The dads’ increased role in child-rearing, epitomized in this case by Palin’s husband, Todd.
Marji Ross, president of the conservative publisher Regnery Publishing, said she thinks Palin’s candidacy has again reminded Americans that a double standard exists between working mothers and working fathers. But Ross, who said she shares the job of raising her three daughters with her husband, also hopes it has prompted a discussion about how more dads these days are picking up some of the workload that traditionally fell only to moms.
Ross said the candidacy also has helped battle the stereotype that career women are more liberal, while those who choose to stay at home are more conservative.
Indeed, the prospect of the nation's highest-ranking female politician being a Republican has raised some uncomfortable issues for liberal-leaning feminists, who might otherwise have been among her biggest boosters.
“If she’s experiencing sexism, that’s wrong, regardless of her policy issues,” said Gatta of Rutgers. “You can support her fair treatment without necessarily supporting her policies.”
© 2008 MSNBC Interactive

Friendships @ Work

Workplace Friendships: Asset or Liability?
by Susan Bryant, Monster Contributing Writer

Few would dispute the power that a true friendship has to enrich our lives. But what role should friendship play in the workplace? Is it smarter to keep your personal and professional lives separate or to purposely seek out and cultivate friendships on the job?

The Pros and Cons
Dr. Jan Yager, author of Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives, has found that workplace friendships can have a profound effect on your career. A friend on the job can let you in on the inner workings of your company or field, provide feedback on your performance or act as a sounding board. Having a buddy at work can make a job more enjoyable, even enhancing your creativity and productivity. Many people get new jobs as a result of friendships, and companies often promote programs that reward employees for referring their friends for employment.

When workplace friendships go awry, however, the impact can be costly. Too much socializing impedes productivity; personal or professional information can be revealed to inappropriate people; and cliques may form, leading to favoritism, exclusivity and negativity.
Although clicking with someone on the job can spark a friendship, whether to invest in the relationship may become a deeper issue. It's a question of trust for Mary, a photo editor. "You make friends at work and eventually reveal what you really think about managers, coworkers and your job, and then you hope they won't divulge that information, intentionally or unintentionally, to anyone else," she says. "There are allegiances that have to be kept if you're friends at work. Don't let personal information you've discussed go beyond the circle of friendship."

Friends Forever?
Are the friendships you develop at work fundamentally different from other friendships? In some ways, yes, Yager says. A job provides financial security. If forced to choose between keeping your source of income and a friendship, most people would choose to keep their job. Because of the pros and cons of developing friendships at work, you have more at stake when deciding whether to enter into a workplace friendship. The right group of friends can be a great influence in your career. The wrong group can get you fired.
Befriending the Boss Can, or should, bosses and subordinates be friends? "Same-level friendships are the easiest to maintain," Yager says. "Problems can arise if one friend has to supervise or evaluate the other." If you try to befriend the boss, your coworkers might question your motives. If your boss befriends you, he may be accused of having a favorite.
When Friendships Fizzle "Workplace friendships are great, but they can burn out quickly, too," says Mary Ann, a bank vice president. "If you leave a department or change positions, the similar circumstances that originally brought you together are now gone, and so is the friendship."

What is the best indicator of whether a friendship can survive one person moving on? Shared values, according to Yager. Although a shared environment may jump-start a friendship, a deeper connection must be made to maintain it. You must genuinely like a person, whatever the circumstances, to become lasting friends. Unfortunately, because people often instinctively hold back from revealing too much about themselves to coworkers, this deeper connection can be difficult to make. On the plus side, if two people have become casual friends while on the job, they may be able to deepen their friendship once one person moves on and they no longer feel inhibited by the workplace environment.

Buddying Up
So how does one navigate the treacherous waters of workplace friendships? Yager provides this advice: Be discreet about your friend's confidences, and think carefully about the type of information you choose to divulge.

If you think your friendship puts you or your friend in a compromising position on the job, talk about it. If necessary, withdraw yourself from situations that might be a conflict of interest.
Find out if your company has a policy regarding workplace friendships, and follow the rules.

Job Market

According to a recent article on Yahoo Finance, there are some US cities that are suffering with rising unemployment rates; however there are some counties where jobs have been growing:
1. Tooele County, UT
2. Kendall County, IL
3. Flagler County, FL
4. Loudoun County, VA
5. Washington County, UT
6. St. Lucie County, FL
7. Douglas County, CO
8. Lee County, FL
9. Rockwall County, TX
10. Collier County, FL

Changing Jobs

As published on the John Tesh "Intelligence for Your Life - Better Yourself Newsletter"...Changing Jobs Can Have a Postive Impact On Your CareerQuitting your job may seem risky, but sometimes it’s a great career move! Susan Heathfield is a management consultant who specializes in human resources and she believes that changing jobs can have a positive impact on your resume. Here are four reasons for leaving that’ll help you get your next position:•You can't get along with your manager. This is actually a common problem, so don’t be afraid to mention it. Never badmouth an old boss. Just say, “We didn’t see eye-to eye on a lot of projects and I want feel like"….to read more go to:

http://www.teshmedia.com/newsletters/BetterYourself7.30.08.pdf

Our Character

OUR CHARACTER IS SHOWN BY…
The jokes we CHOOSE to share…and not to share.
The derogatory terms we CHOOSE to use…and refuse to use.
The promises we CHOOSE to break…and the ones we keep.
The rumors we CHOOSE to spread…and those we ignore.
The resources we CHOOSE to waste…and those we use wisely.
The lies we CHOOSE to tell…and not to tell.
The responsibilities we CHOOSE to accept…and those we shirk.
The courtesies we CHOOSE to extend…and fail to extend.
The efforts we CHOOSE to put forth…and not put forth.
The quality we CHOOSE to provide…and the corners we cut.
The information we CHOOSE to share…and that which we hoard.
The listening we CHOOSE to do and not do.
The respect we CHOOSE to give…and fail to give.
The helpful hands we CHOOSE to extend…and those we keep in our pockets.

Now, turn up the heat…212°


Learn more...
WALK the TALK: Translating Beliefs into BehaviorsWALK the TALK will inspire readers to reflect on their personal and professional behaviors and commit to living important and universally accepted values – at work and in their personal lives. A must-read for everyone!


WalkTheTalk.com.

Venting

I recently stumbled on a blog that allows people to anonymously vent about work issues. It was very entertaining and some of the stories were pretty shocking!

For people who don't use blogs to vent, I was wondering how, where and to whom do people vent about work problems? Does anyone utilize unconventional methods to gripe about work issues?

Write and let us know!

Invaluable

In today's shaky employment environment, I wonder how people are making themselves invaluable to their employer. There is much competition and it is very difficult to find good jobs. When I was a teenager, my brother-in law told me something that has stayed with me all these years, he said "make sure your boss NEEDS you". I think this is an important message to remember.

How are you making yourselves needed within your sphere of influence? What extra work are you taking on, or what creative ways do you add extra value to your organization?

5 Lifestyle Activities That Can Get You Fired

5 Lifestyle Activities That Can Get You Fired
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

Can having a bacon double cheeseburger and a cigarette put your job at risk? Maybe. It may sound surprising, but many off-the-job actions and lifestyles could put your job in jeopardy.
Fair Game?
Employment experts point out five key areas that a company may scrutinize:
Smoking, drinking, and overeating. Due to the cost of health insurance, more and more employers view "unhealthy" habits as a threat to their bottom line.
Risky behavior. Likewise, a company might see your bungee jumping hobby as a liability.
Speech. Will your employer consider your blogging to be destructive griping?
Romantic relationships. Dating someone at a competitor's company has landed employees in hot water. And some employers might take issue with unmarried coupling or even same-sex relationships (federal law doesn't protect employees from discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation).
Political activity. Volunteering for Obama could be trouble if you have a pro-McCain boss, and vice versa.
Job- or industry-specific behaviors can lead to termination as well. A Ford worker who drives a Toyota is probably safe -- unless he or she is president of Ford. But a bank employee who bounces a personal check could get the boot.
Cause or Just Because
If these reasons for termination seem unfair, they must be illegal, right? Not necessarily. Just because most employers don't let valued employees loose for off-the-job activities and lifestyles, doesn't mean they can't.
"Most workers in the private sector don't understand that, unless they live in Montana and Arizona, their job is at-will," Paul Secunda, an assistant professor of law at the University of Mississippi, told Yahoo! HotJobs. "At-will means an employee can be fired for good cause or no cause at all," Secunda said.
Federal job protections include gender, race, religion, and national origin, as well as disability. "Some state laws forbid discrimination on other bases, including sexual orientation, or status as a smoker," said Rick Bales, a professor at Northern Kentucky University/Chase College of Law. Smokers in the tobacco-growing state of Kentucky, for example, are safe from termination, he said.
Don't Be Fooled
Although union members and public sector (government) workers generally have more protections, employees in the private sector -- the bulk of the U.S. workforce -- can be fired at any time, and usually without recourse.
"Unless you were fired because you are a member of a protected class under federal law, or under another state statute, it's likely not illegal," said Kimberly Malerba, an associate who litigates employment cases with Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., a law firm on Long Island, New York.
The good news is that most companies don't go out of their way to snoop into employees' lives, Malerba told Yahoo HotJobs. "A company is most concerned with (off-the-job) behaviors that directly conflict with business interests."
5 Tips to Consider
Legal experts have advice for protecting your job from unexpected dangers:
Understand the concept of at-will employment. Don't assume that termination must be illegal just because you think it was unfair.
Be fully aware of your company's policies and terms of employment. Read the employee handbook, and ask HR if you have any questions.
Be familiar with the company's internal dispute mechanisms (if any) for filing grievances.
Think before you act. Could your employer see your actions off the job as potentially destructive to the company?
Don't disclose. "You don't have to disclose lifestyle choices or off-the-clock activities unless there is a clear link to your ability to perform the job," Secunda said.
"My general advice is, don't do anything on your own time that, if reported in the local paper, would reflect poorly on you or your employer," Bales told Yahoo! HotJobs.

Enough

When do you reach a point in your career that you say enough is enough? whether its with a job you hate or a manager that mistreats you? We spend most of our day at work or thinking/talking about work, then why is it that so many people stay in unhealthy work situations?

It could be that you are just bored and need a change. However, how do you make an informed and rational decision? without jeopardizing your family or financial responsibilities? Maybe you just don't!

Does anyone out there have a perspective?

Good Article: Balance

How to Get Ahead While Balancing Work and Family
by John RossheimMonster Senior Contributing Writer

For many professionals, it’s doable, though certainly not easy, to coast through their careers for some years while devoting most of their energy to raising small children. These sensible souls take care not to drop the ball at work, but they do forgo immediate opportunities to push that ball up the slope and land that next substantial promotion.

But the most ambitious of us may not be satisfied with the status quo, either because we need the money and personal satisfaction that come with advancement, or because we work at a company or in an industry in which our careers can wither and die if we don’t continuously advance.

If you do commit to continuing your upward trajectory while caring for your young kids or ailing parents at the same time, how do you carry out both commitments, each of which can seem all-consuming?

It begins with establishing expectations.

Set Ground Rules

“My employer knows that I’ll put in the hours at home in the evenings and on weekends when I need to,” says Jennifer Sheran, who became full-time general manager at Schroder PR in Atlanta in December 2006 while bringing up a 5-year-old.

Sheran’s professional portfolio is impressive: She oversees the firm’s business development, client relations and campaign project management, as well as implementation, staff training and human resources.

In exchange for some family-friendly arrangements -- she leaves the office at 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. most weekdays to arrive home in time for dinner and works from home on Fridays -- Sheran’s employer expects she’ll put in all the additional hours the job requires, wherever she can fit them in.

“You have to sit down with your family and explain why you have to take up your work for an hour or two after the kids go to bed,” Sheran says. “It takes that to be able to get ahead.”Investigate Different Ways to Grow.

For some ambitious professionals with big demands at home, professional growth may be measured along a dimension other than the corporate ladder. For those willing to consider a nontraditional passage in their career trajectories, opportunities abound, says Susie Hall, Los Angeles-area manager for staffing firm Aquent. Rather than chasing the next promotion, Hall says, you can stay in the same position but take on projects with “higher-profile brands.” To do that, you’ll need to delegate aggressively and creatively, so that you can focus your work time on the projects that will afford you the most visibility. “Think about your unique skills and spend more time on high-value activities,” says Ellen Kossek, a professor at Michigan State University’s Graduate School of Labor and Industrial Relations in East Lansing. Find the Right Support.

But how do you keep your family onboard as you continue to advance your career? Two key tactics are to surround yourself with helpful people and to find an employer that values you enough to let you manage your own workday. For Sheran, family commitments are a two-way street. When she has to travel on business, “my husband makes adjustments to his schedule, and I live not far from my parents,” she says. “Without them, it wouldn’t be so easy.” For audit manager Liz Harper, the key was taking a job with a Big Four firm willing to grant flexibility by the hour, day and season.“When the kids are in school, I work five days a week for six to seven hours,” says Harper, a senior manager working 60 percent time at accounting and consulting firm KPMG in Short Hills, New Jersey. “In summer, I work full days but take one or two days off each week,” says the mother of four children, ages 6 to 14. “On the off days, I’m still pretty much online,” taking some phone calls and checking email occasionally. And There’s No Stopping.

Can executives already in key positions advance even further while their kids are still in elementary school? They certainly aspire to.“I would like to become partner at some point,” says Sheran.The next step for Harper would also be a move up to partner. Although that may not happen while Harper is working less than full-time, her employer doesn’t rule out the possibility.

Fulfillment

I know a number of people and friends that have launched their own businesses, and this got me thinking....is that the only way to find fulfillment in your work? Many of these people have spent so much time and energy into their careers and at the end they quit their jobs and go out on their own. So if you have an entrepreneur's spirit, why wait? take the plunge and see what happens. I have never talked with anyone that has regretted launching their own business; even if it failed, at least they tried.

Ladies Who Launch (http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/) may be an organization of interest to women who have or will have their own business. Hope it helps.

Behavioral Interview article from monster.com

You Can Survive the Behavioral Interview
by Carole MartinMonster Contributing Writer

When asked a traditional question like, "What would you do if you had a customer who wasn't interested in buying the product?" you can make up a story. But when you're asked behavioral questions, the interviewer is listening for specific examples of how you have handled situations or problems in the past.
When presented with behavioral questions beginning with phrases like, Tell me about a time when" or "Give me an example of," the interviewer wants to hear your real-life examples. When interviewers ask such questions, they are listening for examples of how you handled situations similar to the ones you may handle for this company. This is your chance to talk about your accomplishments. If you can demonstrate through examples (preferably recent ones) that you've succeeded in certain areas of interest, you'll likely be considered a strong candidate for the position. After all, if you did it somewhere else yesterday, you can do it for this company tomorrow.
Your success stories should include the situation, the action you took and the result. Here is an example if you were interviewing for a sales position:
The Situation: I had a customer who did not want to hear about the features of my merchandise because of a prior interaction with my company.
The Action: I listened to her story and made sure I heard her complaint. I then explained how I would have handled the situation differently and how I can offer her better service. I showed her some facts that changed her mind about dealing with the company again.
The Result: She not only bought the merchandise, but also complimented how I handled her account. She is now one of my best customers.
One way to prepare for this type of interview is by writing out your stories before the interview. Determine what stories you have that would be appropriate for the position based on its job description. If the job requires dependability, write your story about a time when your dependability was recognized or made a difference with a customer.
You can use the stories you prepare even when the interviewer does not ask behavioral questions. If you are asked a traditional question, use your prepared story and preface it with, "I can give you an example of a time when I used that skill on a previous job."
By preparing for the interview ahead of time and recalling your past successes, you will be able to have examples in mind and will not be caught off guard. There is no way you can predict what the interviewer is going to ask you, but you can prepare what you want him to know about your past as a predictor of your future performance.

Carpooling

Yesterday I went to the gas station and it cost me over $70 to fill my tank! that is just a ridiculous amount of money for gas. Carpooling and working from home is the only way we are going to be able to afford going to work. Those of us that have long commutes have a problem; as public transportation in Dutchess county is not an option. Does anyone carpool? and how beneficial has it been to you? I find carpooling to be a wonderful option.

Working Mothers

Since today is mother's day, I wanted to write something about the challenges working mothers face. I know how difficult it can be to balance family life and work responsibilities. I was bringing up 3 kids on my own for a while and it was insane!..I am sympathetic to all the mothers who juggle it all and don't miss a bit, you are an inspiration! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all.

Career Changers

I speak to so many people that are unhappy with their jobs and I wonder how difficult is it to find that 'thing' you love to do and switch careers?

I would love to get a discussion going about changing careers. Key questions to ponder on and comment about:

1. Does anyone think its a good idea?
2. Has anyone done it? if so, are you happy with the change and would you recommend it to others?

I would also be interested in finding out HOW people go through that decision making process.

Masters Degrees

Many people have doubts about how valuable their masters degrees are in today's uncertain business environment. Some of my friends with masters have not found the great paying, fulfilling jobs they were hoping for after graduation. I think work experience will always be a very serious competitor to masters degrees (especially in the corporate arena), it seems these days that employers are looking for people with very specific skills and background, regardless of education. I don't want to discourage anyone pursuing a degree (I am a very strong believer in higher education); that is just my observation, lately. Does anyone think differently?

Job Hunting Article

Job Hunting in an Unsteady Economy
7 Tips for Success
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

Whether or not the U.S. economy has hit a recession, one thing is clear these days: Uncertainty is in the air, and it affects nearly every economic sector, including the job market.
The recent rise in the U.S. unemployment rate -- 5.1% in March -- indicates that fewer jobs are being created, but the shrinkage may not affect job-seekers in some fields, such as technology or health care. Nonetheless, experts say job seekers should pay attention to current economic conditions and expect that the job-search process may take longer.

Adjust Your Approach?

"The unemployment rate has risen, but it is not at a point that should cause job seekers to panic," says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. "Even at 5.2% or 5.3%, there is still demand for workers. Those seeking jobs in construction or mortgage lending might have a more difficult time finding employment, but we have not seen a significant downturn in hiring in other sectors."

Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," suggests job seekers may want to alter their approach due to economic uncertainties.

"Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while conducting interviews over your lunch break or doing volunteer work on the weekend that might lead to a paid gig," she says. "If you are currently unemployed, you may have to settle for a situation that's not 100% ideal in order to keep yourself afloat through the downturn."

David Bach, a workforce development specialist in San Francisco, says job seekers can "improve their competitive edge by becoming more aware of the top ongoing employers." Fields that are less affected by the evolving economy -- such as education, health care, and energy -- make an ideal focus right now, he adds.

Tips for Reaching Your Goal

Experts recommend the following actions to increase your job-search success in an uncertain economic climate.

* Tailor your presentations; don't be generic. "In developing a resume and other promotions materials, think about how your current skills and talents apply directly to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job," says Levit.

* "Create a target list of companies," says career coach Julie Jansen, author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" She suggests sending the list to 25 people, asking them if they can put you in touch with an employee at one of the listed companies.

* "Make yourself and your skills more visible," says Bach. He suggests posting and refreshing your resume in more places, such as online job boards, and going to job fairs.

* "Create an advisory board of smart and empathetic people and confer with them regularly about your job search," says Jansen.

* "Hone and utilize your 'elevator pitch' as often as possible," says Bach, referring to a 30-second summary of your professional assets.

* Keep your spirits high. Don't let the process overwhelm you or weigh you down. Jansen advises, "Make a list of your five favorite things to do, and do them!"

* Make an effort daily. "Do one thing each day -- like emailing a new contact or attending a networking event -- that moves your job search forward," says Levit. "Your worst enemy is inertia."

SLL

We all encounter so many people on a day to day basis that love to just hear themselves talk. I think it would be so valuable for people to just remember to Stop, Look and Listen (SLL); you can learn so much by just listening. It is so important to always take a step back from a situation and slow down your thinking and your talking to evaluate what the best outcome can be for everyone involved. So remember SLL!

Faith Based Programs

I know this can be a sensitive issue, some people feel faith should never be discussed in the workplace. How if at all, are faith based issues handled in your workplace?

Affinity Groups

One of my favorite professors in graduate school did not like the idea of affinity groups in the workplace. He felt that affinity groups could potentially make people feel isolated; rather than bringing people together. Right now at my company we have began to formally create these groups; of which I am a part of. Has anyone seen affinity groups NOT work?

Holding Management Accountable

I think more people need to hold their management accountable for effectively leading their teams. Ask questions, raise your hand and make requests. If you don't ask you will never get or know the answers to your questions. Lets stop complaining to our friends and co-workers and speak to those in charge of making changes. If you don't bring issues to their attention they may not even know anything is wrong, many senior managers are removed from the day to day of the workforce and are blind to serious issues or concerns; therefore, speak up!

A few minutes of fame :)

Last week I visited one of our local radio stations to promote the blog. It was so much fun, here is the link if you haven't heard it.

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=BLOGS

Your Own Business

In recent years Small Businesses are being launched with overwhelming frequency. The Census Bureau reports that "Women owned 6.5 million non-farm U.S. businesses in 2002, employing 7.1 million persons and generating $939.5 billion in business revenues", those are impressive figures--and some say women can't run businesses!

I think with downsizing and the constant struggle against the glass ceiling (or concrete ceiling for some minorities), its no surprise that women are choosing to venture out on their own. They have gotten tired of waiting for the next big break and have experienced their dream jobs being given to their male counterparts. I think we have made progress with this issue over the years, but the reality is that women still earn less than man for doing the same job.

Census Bureau statistics are as follows:
".....pay disparities are greatest in the fields of accounting, insurance, finance and marketing. In the survey, male accountants made an average of $49,000 per year compared to around $33,000 for women. The average male financial manager earned almost $60,000 compared to less than $40,000 for female financial managers. Even among highly trained, highly educated physicians, men made an average of $94,000 while female doctors earned $69,000. "

Need I say more?

Cliques at Work

It seems like everywhere you go, people form cliques. I try as much as I can to make sure I interact with people outside of my department and comfort zone. Cliques have a way of making others feel excluded and not part of the team. I think that its fine to spend time with people you like and have a lot in common with, however, I don't think there should be a perception of exclusivity in these relationships. I was talking with a friend recently and we were thinking, Why do clicks exist? and are they important?

Take charge of your career destiny

Many people blame others for career stagnation and lack of advancement. However, in my opinion, we should take charge of our own careers and stop expecting human resources or management to promote us or help us find that dream job. Many people waste countless years complaining about their careers without taking action and moving forward. If you find your career is stagnant, you owe it to yourself to take action, such as, pursue additional education, apply for jobs in different departments within your company or start the process of finding a job with another company. The road to career advancement is not always a straight climb “up a ladder” but rather a journey which must be strategically and actively managed.

Doing More with Less?

There was a recent article published that stated employers in the United States eliminated approximately 80,000 jobs during the month of March.

I found this to be worrisome, as I know many people that are always complaining about their jobs and additional work their employers seem to continually put on their shoulders. But as I thought about this, I couldn't help but wonder, is it worse to be completely out of a job? Or to have so much additional work (above and beyond your area of responsibilities) that you feel overwhelmed all the time? Not having a job can be very stressful; however it could open up opportunities you would not otherwise have pursued. On the other hand, having too much work can be very stressful to your physical and mental health.

Has anyone experienced one extreme or the other? How about those that have a beautiful balance in their workload and how does your company accomplish this?

Managing Perceptions

I was recently talking with a friend about how important it is to manage how others perceive you in the workplace. Unfortunately, perception is reality, and many times people that are not great leaders/workers may be viewed as great management material for the sole reason that the decision makers have a certain view of that person.

In my experience I have seen evidence of how important it is to pay close attention to our actions and relationships in the workplace. Things such as: The ways you carry yourself (attire, speech, mannerism) are very important. You will be surprised how some of these things; if perceived the wrong way, can hinder your career growth.

I once heard a famous quote "a life unexamined is not worth living". I think it’s important to consistently evaluate ourselves and how others may perceive us.

Mentors: Seek and Be One

Mentors don’t necessarily seek you out; as they may not know you want or need a mentor. Be proactive in reaching out to people you respect and admire and develop either formal or informal mentorship relationships. You will find that almost every successful person had a mentor. When others seek you out for mentorship relationships be open and available; not only is it flattering, but it is a great thing to give back and help others reach their goals.

Good Article on Coaching

The Power of Coaching

Becoming an outstanding coach requires that you help each individual on your team, yes, even the people who are tough to like, become successful. Whether you realize it or not, you have the power to be successful by helping others succeed. Some managers think that coaching is solely about addressing negative performance. And, to be sure, that is an important part. But the process of coaching involves more than that. It includes staying in touch with everyone on your team, even your best performers, and providing them with the information they need to be even more successful. You see, every interaction with team members is a coaching occasion, an opportunity to create a positive, winning climate by clarifying goals, prioritizing tasks, listening to their ideas, and providing recognition. You want an idea of your team's current climate? Look around. Are people smiling? Do they look you in the eyes? Is there evidence of any recent success, banners, trophies, new record postings? How about the workspace? Are people proud to keep it clean, or is stuff lying all over the place? One of the keys to creating a winning, positive climate is to spend time with your team. Start your day by roaming the halls, asking questions, and visiting with team members. It's a good habit and a great investment of your time and energy. Coaching begins with creating an environment where people want to be part of a winning team. You have the power to make that happen!

Today's lesson is from The Manager's Coaching Handbook: A Practical Guide to Improving Employee PerformanceFor more information on this resource and other high-impact WALK THE TALK publications, please click here to learn more. To Your Success,Eric HarveyFounder and President, WalkTheTalk.comQuestions? 888.822.9255

Think like an Entrepreneur

Generally speaking, people that treat their role in a corporation as owners are usually very successful. When faced with a dilemma at work, ask yourself “if this was my own company, what would I do”? Behaving with integrity will help you become a balanced professional and guide you like a compass in unchartered waters.

Virtually There

As many of you know, technological advances have enabled us to eliminate physical work location as a limitation to getting our work done. Many people have the wonderful privilege of working from home occasionally or regularly. This is an enormous perk which allows people to get their work done more efficiently. One of the big advantages is having less interruptions and more quiet time to concentrate on the task at hand. A couple of drawbacks are that you tend to work longer hours and you miss out on the face-to-face interactions with your co-workers. Since virtual work increases productivity and loyalty, employers may find that it helps to retain high performing employees.

What do you think? Are virtual work environments good for employees and employers??

Business Relationships

No one is successful alone. We need other people to help us along the way; therefore, the more people you have built relationships with, the better off you will be. Build and nurture relationships before you need them. For example, some say you should never eat lunch alone, try to have at least one meal a week with a friend or colleague.

I personally find that when you share a meal with someone, you begin to share life experiences that you would not otherwise have the time to communicate. Eating with someone is a great way to understand them and truly build meaningful business relationships. In the end, your career is not a destination, but a journey with stops and detours, why not grab something to eat with someone along the way?

Work life balance, JUST A MYTH

Seriously, whoever made up that term didn’t know what it was like to be a single parent of three kids (with no child support to speak of--financial or moral), working full time, going to school part time and trying to advance your career, a goal that could help you make more money to support your kids. The whole “balance doctrine” is a lie. Sorry, there is no such thing as balance, there is such a thing as prioritizing and organizing your time and responsibilities, this will help you meet the demands of each day with a little less stress and chaos.

But the reality is that sometimes you won’t make it to your child's basketball game, you will miss a deadline at work and you won’t have time to call your mother. Try not to feel guilty, it’s about harnessing the strength within you to tackle the challenges each day brings, but you better forget about successfully juggling it all, if you don’t plan. So my advice is…plan, prioritize and get a support system going (neighbors, babysitters, mothers, sisters, and friends).

Phone Interviews

Think phone interviews are a breeze? Think again. They are extremely difficult and stressful. In the absence of body language and mannerism, which may help you, you have to convey your qualifications by what you say and HOW you say it; much more than in-person interviews. You have about the first 5 minutes of the call to build rapport with the interviewer, whereas in person you have a lot more time for first impressions. For example, eye contact, business presence and attire, and body language. During a phone interview you have to be mindful that your physical surroundings are appropriate for the call and that you won’t be interrupted or disconnected. A few things to remember are: 1) have your resume and job posting in front of you, 2) stand up when you speak, your voice projects better, 3) be friendly and professional (not too friendly!), and 4) have a quick reference sheet with questions and possible answers. Lastly, treat it as you would and in-person interview, do your research, dress for the part and take it seriously. You get the idea.